Broadcasters now have until June 12 to turn off their analog signals, although they can do so anytime after Feb. 17 if they choose to. Many broadcasters already air a digital signal as well as an analog signal. Once analog signals cut off, consumers with older analog TV sets that receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna will need to buy a digital TV set or install a converter box to keep getting signals.
So instead of one solid switch, television stations can move from analog to digital anytime they want within that window – leaving uninformed customers angry and confused as their televisions lose stations one by one over the next 5 months. Ridiculous.